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Climate Action
From extreme weather to air quality, climate change impacts Gresham’s residents, our economy, and the natural environment. Together, we can reduce pollution and improve community health.
A community effort
- Four Focus Areas
- Project Background
- Resources
Read the Climate Action Plan.
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The Climate Action Plan includes four core focus areas where the City and community will work together.
Energy
Energy use is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Gresham. These emissions come from electricity and fossil fuel use in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial processes.
To reduce emissions, the City and local partners will work together to:
- Increase energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings.
- Increase the amount of renewable energy supplied to the community.
Urban form and transportation
Transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Gresham. These emissions come from vehicles and transit.
To reduce emissions, the City and local partners will work together to:
- Promote bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and planning.
- Promote urban planning designed around walking and access to public transit options.
- Promote electric vehicles and charging stations.
Solid waste
Every day, people produce, use and throw away goods and materials. Producing and disposing of food, household items and building materials can impact land, water and air in dramatic ways.
To reduce our community’s impact, the City and local partners will work together to:
- Reduce food waste.
- Improve food access and composting.
- Promote opportunities for repair and reuse.
- Promote materials with low environmental impact.
Climate preparedness
Climate change presents an extreme risk to every community’s well-being through conditions that damage private and public property, injure people and disrupt the local economy.
It is essential local programs assist the community to prepare for, withstand and recover from climate hazards.
The City and local partners will work together to:
- Distribute equipment that supports energy efficiency, space heating and cooling, smoke filtration, and insulation.
- Provide information on climate hazards – fire and smoke, extreme heat and cold, winter weather and precipitation – how to prepare for them, and where to access resources.
- Plant trees to keep the community cool and manage stormwater.
The City signed the US Mayor’s Protection Agreement in 2007. Gresham joined 1,000 cities across the nation in pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change.
Greenhouse gases are released into the air mostly by human activities. An increase in greenhouse gases traps heat, making the planet warmer. Trapped heat affects the severity of storms, wildfires and drought conditions.
City milestones
- 2007 - Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement.
- 2009 - City Council adopted Sustainability Policy.
- 2011 - Internal operations and facilities sustainability plan.
- 2015 - Net zero wastewater treatment plant.
- 2016 - LED street and park light conversion.
- 2018 - Updated City greenhouse gas inventory.
- 2018 - Expanded Green Business Program.
- 2019 - Solar assessments completed.
- 2021 - Community solar at City fire stations.
- 2021 - Council Work Plan – Climate Action.
- 2021 - Community-wide greenhouse gas inventory.
Next steps
- 2022 - Strategic planning and community-wide outreach framework.
- 2023 - Present a climate action plan for City Council adoption.
Documents
Related links
- State of Oregon climate change resources
- Environmental Protection Agency planning for climate change adaption